Abstract: A stent is a device that is adapted to be implanted into narrowed portions of hollow vessels of a body. The stent (1) comprises a stent body (2) that has at least two different wall thicknesses (WE, WH). The different wall thicknesses result in different flexibility characteristics of the stent in the longitudinal direction. Thus the stent according to the invention prevents irritations of the wall of the vessel in the area of the implanted stent, whereby the risk of restenosis in said area can be reduced considerably.

Abstract: Valved prostheses include a support structure and a plurality of flexible polymer leaflets connected to the support structure, in which the leaflets have an improved structural design. The support structure has a plurality of commissure supports and scallops between the commissure supports. Generally, the flexible polymer leaflets project away from the support structure at an attachment edge where the leaflets connect to the support structure. In particular embodiments, the leaflets at the attachment edge are at an angle from about 5 degrees to about 85 degrees relative to a plane normal to the valve axis. In some embodiments, the flexible polymer leaflets having a coaptation depth from about 0.3 times the valve radius to about 0.8 times the valve radius. In further embodiments, the flexible polymer leaflets form a valve with a valve height from about one times the valve radius to about 2 times the valve radius and have leaflet lengths at least about 1 millimeter greater than the valve radius.

Abstract: An allogenic intervertebral implant for fusing vertebrae is disclosed. The implant is a piece of allogenic bone conforming in size and shape with a portion of an end plate of a vertebra. The implant has a wedge-shaped profile to restore disc height and the natural curvature of the spine. The top and bottom surfaces of the implant have a plurality of teeth to resist expulsion and provide initial stability. The implant according to the present invention provides initial stability need for fusion without stress shielding.

Abstract: An interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion across a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine has a body two top side and two bottom side junctions, with at least a pair of diagonally opposed junctions having a distance therebetween that does not significantly exceed the implant body height. The implant also includes one or more bone penetrating protrusions extending outwardly from at least the upper and lower walls of the implant. The implant is inserted on its side between adjacent vertebral bodies and then rotated 90 degrees into place. The protrusions penetrate the endplates upon rotation, thereby securing the implant within the spine. The implant has at least one passage therethrough from the upper wall to the lower wall to promote fusion through the implant. Because of the specialized opposed junctions overdistraction between the adjacent vertebral bodies is avoided when the implant is rotated from an initial insertion position to a final deployed position.

Abstract: Prosthetic joints, components for prosthetic joints, superhard bearing and articulation surfaces, diamond bearing and articulation surfaces, substrate surface topographical features, materials for making joints, bearing and articulation surfaces, and methods for manufacturing and finishing the same, and related information are disclosed, including a prosthetic hip joint having a polycrystalline diamond compact articulation surface and a counter bearing surface.

Abstract: A multi-zone, multifinctional graft with two or more zones that have different chemical and biological characteristics is provided. The vascular conduit that has of an inner zone that is permanently non-thrombogenic and anti-proliferative, and one or more outer zones that allow for beneficial tissue in-growth and sealing of the graft to prevent leakage. The small diameter vascular conduits of the present invention containing these different zones may be fabricated from woven or knitted Dacron, extruded porous PTFE, from polyurethane polymer, or other similar materials, and the structure of these conduits so modified as to provide these different zones. One embodiment contains an inner non-thrombogenic layer and an outer thrombogenic layer, optionally containing a growth agent. A second embodiment contains a third intermediate layer having a growth agent impregnated therein.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a stent for implantation into a vessel of a patient. The stent has at least two plastically deformable and expandable tubular graft members for expansion within a vessel. Each of the graft member has a first end, a second end, a wall section disposed therebetween and a lumen extending therethrough. The stent further includes at least one articulation connecting the first end of one of the graft members with the second end of the other graft member. Wherein the articulation is made from a superelastic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intraluminal implant (1) manufactured from a seamless thin walled metal tube. The inventive device consists of a large number of expandable rings 92). The adjacent rings (2) are connected to each other by one of two extendible rods (4). Each radially expandable ring (2) can consists of one or several bands (3) which can be enlarged. The adjacent bands (3) are connected each other by means of rods (5) extending in an axial direction. The stent is highly flexible; as a result, its longitudinal extension remains practically unchanged when it is enlarged.

Abstract: A vertebral column replacement body or spacer has first and second anchoring sides each facing in the mounted or implanted state of the body an adjacent vertebra, wherein each anchoring side has a tooting for ensuring that displacement in the ventral or dorsal directions is safely prevented. The vertebral column replacement body has two body elements which are slidingly guided relative to each other and transversely of the anchoring sides, wherein, after a desired relative position has been reached, a first body element can be braced against the second body element by radially widening the first body element.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot is provided incorporating a cushioned ankle including an ankle block formed of a resilient material or bladder having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block is sandwiched between a foot element and an ankle element. One or more optional spring inserts may be embedded inside the ankle block to increase the rigidity of the prosthetic foot and to improve the degree of energy storage and return. The shape of the spring inserts is preferably one that supports compression during relative angular rotation of the ankle plate and foot plate elements, such as during toe and heel roll, and also vertical compression, such as in response to vertical shock loads.

Abstract: A radially expandable stent (10) made from a cannula or sheet of biocompatible material that includes at least one longitudinal segment (14) comprised of a series of laterally interconnected closed cells (13). Each closed cell of a longitudinal segment is defined laterally by a pair of longitudinal struts (15, 16) that are interconnected at each end by a circumferentially adjustable member (19, 20). When the stent is expanded using a balloon (47), the opposing circumferentially adjustable members deform to allow circumferential expansion of the longitudinal segment, while the length of the segment, as defined by the longitudinal struts, is maintained. Self-expanding versions of the stent utilize a nickel-titanium alloy. Adjacent longitudinal segments are joined by flexible interconnection segments (21) that permit the stent to bend laterally. The flexible interconnection segment is comprised of curvilinear struts (22, 23) that form a series of serpentine bends (81) that distribute lateral bending forces.

Abstract: A stent consisting of at least two parts in juxtaposition, one part being of self-expandable characteristics while the other part is balloon expandable.

Abstract: A stent is disclosed for placement within the pancreatic or biliary duct to facilitate drainage therethough, and related instrumentation which facilitates the atraumatic placement of the stent within the duct. The stent is atraumatically placed by means of an instrumentation system which draws or pulls the stent into position and wedges the distal end portion of the stent into the terminating portion of the duct to maintain the stent in place within the duct. As described herein, the stent is made of a soft biocompatible material which is resiliently compliant so as to allow the stent to readily conform to the curvature of the ductal passageway in which it has been placed. When placed, the stent extends along the length of the duct, with the proximal end extending into the duodenum. Perforations in the stent further faciliate drainage along the length of the stent.

Abstract: A stent for use in the treatment of stenosis of the ostium of tubular organs, more particularly, blood vessels comprising a multiplicity of flanges located at an end of a generally tubular stent body. The flanges permit the accurate positioning of the stent within the vessel, while presenting dislodgement of the stent.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an expandable stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as an artery, and a method for making it from a single length of tubing. The stent consists of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements generally aligned on a common axis and interconnected by one or more interconnective elements. The individual radially expandable cylindrical elements consist of ribbon-like material disposed in an undulating pattern. Portions of the expanded stent project outwardly into engagement with the vessel wall to more securely attach the stent.

Abstract: A structurally supported graft (10) having a support structure (26) with strain relief sections (30) contained with an internal surface, an external surface, or a wall thickness of a tubular graft member (12). The structurally supported graft (10) may include a beading element (24) which is co-extruded with the support structure (26) having strain relief sections (30) and spiraled about the tubular graft (10). The support structure (26) includes differing types of strain relief sections (30) which are capable of allowing for the longitudinal and radial expansion of the structurally supported graft (10), respectively. The strain relief sections (30) may also include unconnected ends which form outwardly protruding barbs (62) upon expansion of the structurally supported graft within a blood vessel or body lumen.

Abstract: An intraocular lens which can be deformed substantially so as to be inserted through a very small incision in the eye. The intraocular lens has an optical element (10) made from a flexible membrane (18) and is filled with a fluid optical medium. Attached to the optical element is a bladder (12) into which the fluid medium from the optical element (10) can be shunted. When inserting the intraocular lens the fluid medium is first shunted from the optical element (10) into the bladder (12); this reduces the size of the optical element (10). With the optical element (10) in this state of reduced size it is passed through the cornea through a small incision. With the optical element (10) now inside the eye and the bladder (12) outside the eye, the fluid medium is shunted back from the bladder (12) into the optical element (10). This reduces the size of the bladder (12) allowing also it to be passed through the small incision. In this way the whole intraocular lens is passed into the eye through a small incision.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring and support assembly includes a ring support that has a peripheral wall with a peripheral shoulder surface, and a flange extending at generally right angles to the shoulder surface. The flange is removed or terminated in a selected portion of the peripheral wall so that the shoulder surface is unobstructed and provides a backing support against which a cutting force will be reacted when the annuloplasty ring is cut.

Abstract: A stent, especially a coronary stent, comprising at least one thin-walled, tubular member with an openly reticular outer surface containing recesses, which are defined by narrow weblike members. Weblike members are formed from the remaining material from the tube wall once the material has been removed from the recess area. The weblike members are shaped in such a way as to substantially reduce the deformation to which a weblike member is subjected between connecting areas with other weblike members during expansion. The invention also relates to a method of producing the like.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis for replacing a joint between two elongated bones of the hand. A first member is provided with an elongated stem for reception in one of the elongated bones and includes a head remote from the stem, the head having a central arcuate dovetail rib arising from a spheroidal convex articulating surface. A second member has a stem for reception in the other bone and a base remote from the stem, the base having a central arcuate dovetail slot formed in a spheroidal concave surface shaped to articulate with the convex articular surface. The central arcuate dovetail rib of the first member and arcuate dovetail slot of the second member are assembled to fully engage and articulate with each other to restrain separation of the members at all degrees of flexion ranging from 0 degrees extension through to 110 degrees of flexion, the force between the members being borne primarily by said spheroidal articular surfaces throughout the range of motion.